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The number of Hispanics in the U.S. labor force is projected to grow X.X% between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of Asians in the labor force will grow X.X%, Blacks X.X%, Whites X.X%, and all other races X.X% during this time.

The number of Americans age XX and older who participate in the labor force is projected to grow X.X% during this time. Workers XX and older are expected to make up XX.X% of the labor force in 2020, up from XX.X% in 2000.

The numbers of men and women participating will grow at similar rates: X.X% and X.X%, respectively. Women will make up XX.X% of the labor force in 2020 (up from XX.X% in 2010), and XX.X% of the population age XX and older (XX.X%). Although the numbers of men and women in the workforce will grow, this is due to population growth; the shares of men and women who participate in the labor force are expected to decline slightly. More than seven in XX men age XX and older (XX.X%) participated in the labor force in 2010, compared to XX.X% of women. In 2020, XX.X% of men and XX.X% of women are expected to be in the labor force.

The aging of the large Baby Boomer population will result in a smaller share of adults overall participating in the labor force [although Boomers are working later in life than their predecessors--Ed.].

In 2010, XX.X% of Americans age XX and older were in the labor force; this is expected to reach XX.X% by 2020. The weak economy is also affecting labor force participation, but this is being partly offset by Boomers' continuing to work. Labor force participation among women age XX and older has grown significantly in the past two decades, from XX.X% in 1990 to XX.X% in 2010. Nearly four in XX women in this age group (XX.X%) are expected to be in the labor force in 2020.

Participation rates of women ages XX-XX, on the other hand, are declining. More than six in XX (XX.X%) were in the labor force in 2000, but only XX.X% were in 2010. Fewer than half (XX.X%) are expected to be in the labor force by 2020.

CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE AGE XX AND OLDER,
2010 AND 2020 (PROJECTED), BY RACE/ETHNICITY

The proportion of adults considered "prime" working age (XX-XX) who participate in the labor force has declined since 2000 and is expected to continue to do so through 2020. [WORKFORCE/EMPLOYMENT, DEMOGRAPHICS, EMERGING MAJORITIES]